Amanzimtoti’s little Olu (2) is an equestrian in the making
On discovering the stables situated in Doonside, Olu now takes riding lessons weekly (often multiple times a week) and it can be said that he's the youngest to do so.
ASPIRING equestrian Oluhle Dlamini (2) is making a name for himself at the local stables where he takes horse riding lessons, as he continues to learn and become more passionate about the gracious creatures as time passes.
Despite his size and age, little Olu has been besotted with horses since his first encounter with them in the Drakensberg.
“At 18-months-old he first saw horses in the Berg. He was so comfortable around them from the get go,” said supportive mother, Jessica Sithole.
“Once we left he cried and cried for them for days. We eventually began making trips to Flag Animal Farm in Ballito every two weeks. We were new to the area and didn’t think that there were stables nearby, so would make the long trip just so that he could be with horses.”
On discovering stables situated in Doonside, Olu now takes riding lessons weekly (often multiple times a week) and it can be said that he’s the youngest to do so.
Jessica explained that Olu has a rocking horse at home along with smaller ones that can be carted around and tucked into bed with him. He watches Spirit the Horse along with other horse-related movies religiously and only wears clothing with horses on.
“It can get really tiring but he insists. He’s crazy about horses and refuses anything not to do with them. If we want him to eat, sleep or behave, we simply bribe him with horses, saying that we’ll take him to the stables if he finishes his food, or if he goes to bed, and this actually works,” said Jessica.
“He has since learned the directions to the stables. Whenever we’re in the car and take a right when he knows the stables are to the left, he’ll throw and fit and cry until we have to take him to see the horses, even if its just for a little.”
When the Sun visited the stables to witness the little equestrian in action, his balance while on horseback and comfort around the animals, which are multiple times larger than him, was noted. He remained completely focused and serious while riding, not cracking a smile or glancing at onlookers.
Jessica explained that once his riding session comes to an end and the horse is put away, he becomes increasingly upset.
“The stable staff often have to ‘wean’ him off the riding lesson by putting him on a donkey’s back for a while. We have to tell him that the horse, and the donkey, are going to sleep. If we say that they’re merely eating or resting, then he’ll insist on staying until they’re done,” she said.
“I really thought that this was just a phase that he’d outgrow, but he seems to be growing more passionate about horses as time passes.”
Jessica shared how one day, with only sandals on his feet, she noticed after a long while of standing beside Olu that the horse was standing on his foot.
“When I picked him up only a few tears rolled down his cheeks, but that was all. He didn’t make a scene because he didn’t want to upset the horse, so just stood there, his little feet being tramped,” she said.
Olu’s parents whole-heartedly support his hobby and love for the animals.
“I would’ve preferred he choose to love a dog, or a cat, or even a fish this much,” said Jessica. “But this is his choice and while we (parents) aren’t fond of horses, he clearly is. We’ll buy him the kit and continue to allow him to live his dream.”
While Olu is very young to be asked what he aspires to be one day, it can be deduced that it’ll be something to do with horses. A child with such a love for animals will grow to possess great morale, and in turn achieve great things through the ability to show kindness and love for a fellow living creature.
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